More Issues On Chemical Contamination In West Virginia

Twelve days after West Virginia residents learned about a massive chemical spill, Freedom Industries finally admitted that a second chemical may have contaminated the water supply. In addition to 7,500 gallons of the coal-cleaning chemical MCHM, the Elk River may have also been contaminated with 300 gallons of PPH – which is also a skin and eye irritant. Gary Southern, the president of Freedom Industries, did not disclose the second chemical to state officials until almost two weeks after the original leak was reported. However, Mr. Southern managed to find the time to file for bankruptcy before reporting the additional leak. Because of these chemicals, almost half a million people had to struggle to find safe drinking water, yet Freedom Industries' executives were only worried about skipping out on financial responsiblity. Almost two weeks later, residents still are being told to drink the water at their own risk. It's time that someone be held accountable.